The HERCULES-CE project continues to contribute to the international discussion on Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) through the dissemination of knowledge and experiences gained during pilot implementation activities.
As part of these efforts, an academic paper entitled Participatory Design for Energy Transition in Heritage Contexts: The Labin Renewable Energy Community Case Study was prepared by Carla Sedini (IULM University), Filippo Parolini (Politecnico di Milano), and Ana Boneta Jančić (IRENA – Istrian Regional Energy Agency). The paper was presented within the framework of the Cumulus Conference in Athens and highlights the experience gained through the HERCULES-CE pilot implemented in the historic old town of Labin, Croatia.
The paper explores how participatory design methodologies can support the development of Renewable Energy Communities in heritage-sensitive environments, where the implementation of renewable energy solutions is often challenged by spatial constraints, heritage protection requirements, and regulatory complexity.
Using the Labin pilot as a case study, the paper focuses on stakeholder engagement, community participation, co-design approaches, and the development of an engagement strategy tailored to the local context. Particular attention is given to the identification of key stakeholder groups, the design of engagement activities, and the creation of innovative participatory tools aimed at increasing awareness, trust, and long-term involvement in the energy transition process.
The paper also presents lessons learned from the pilot implementation and demonstrates how collaborative approaches can support the establishment of RECs while respecting the specific characteristics of protected historic areas.
The academic paper represents an additional dissemination output of the HERCULES-CE project and contributes to the transfer of knowledge between project partners, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working on community energy initiatives across Europe.
By sharing the experiences and results of the Labin pilot at an international level, HERCULES-CE continues to promote innovative and inclusive approaches to the energy transition, supporting the development of RECs adapted to diverse territorial and regulatory contexts.
The paper was developed within the framework of the HERCULES-CE project – Enhancing the Energy Transition in Central Europe with the Support of RECs – and reflects the partners’ commitment to combining technical innovation, stakeholder participation, and knowledge transfer in support of a just and inclusive energy transition.